What if I cannot use my card for parking or vanpooling expenses at the point-of-sale?
You can submit a claim for parking expenses in one of the following ways. The BRiMobile app allows mobile device users to submit claims on-the-go. Log into the participant website, under the Commuter Benefit Plan tab, select Submit an Online Claim (available if allowed by your plan). Complete your claim form, then either upload it to […]
If asked, should I select “Debit” or “Credit”?
Select CREDIT to sign for the purchase or DEBIT to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN). To request a PIN for your Beniversal® Prepaid Mastercard® or eTRAC® Prepaid Mastercard, call (855) 247-0198. There is no ATM or cash access associated with this card.
Can I use my card for purchases other than eligible expenses?
No. If your card is used for anything other than eligible expenses, your account may be suspended.
Where can I use my card?
The card can only be used at approved vendors that accept Debit Mastercard. Mass transit and parking funds on your card can only be used at vendors that primarily provide transit passes and/or workplace parking. You cannot use those funds at non-qualified locations such as restaurants, gas stations, bookstores, department stores or grocery stores. For […]
How can I find the balance on my card?
You can get your account balance: Login to the participant website and view your accounts Check on the BRIMOBILE app Use the automated QuickBalance feature. Call Participant Services at (800) 473-9595 and enter your card information. Your account balance(s) will be read out to you by the automated system. Contact the Benefit Resource Participant Services […]
When can I start using my card for commuter expenses?
You can start using your card once you have activated it and your CBP funds are available on the card.
Can I still receive reimbursement after I terminate employment?
Only services provided through your last month of employment are eligible for reimbursement. Eligible claims must be received by Benefit Resource by the end of the month following your last month of employment. Details regarding any remaining funds are outlined in your Plan Specifications.
What kind of supporting documents need to be submitted with my completed CBP claim form?
If you have a receipt from the vendor, it should show the name of the vendor, the type of service provided, the date(s) the service was provided and the cost for the service. Cancelled checks are acceptable as sufficient supporting documentation for a claim. Note: Effective January 1, 2016, you must submit supporting documentation to […]
After a service is provided, how long do you have to submit your claim?
Your completed claim must be received by Benefit Resource within 180 days after the service was provided (however, it is recommended that you do not wait that long to submit your claim, in case there is a problem with the claim).
What happens if I submit a claim and my account balance is less than the amount of the claim?
You will be reimbursed up to the amount of your account balance. The remaining claim amount will be paid when your account is funded again with payroll deductions.
How long will it take to receive reimbursement for my claim?
Claim reimbursements are processed every day. Please allow 5-7 business days to receive your reimbursement. To receive your funds faster, sign-up for direct deposit through briweb.com
Am I required to include any special reporting on my tax return (1040 Form) regarding contributions to the CBP?
Information about a CBP Account does not need to be reported for income tax purposes. The total earnings reported on your W-2 form will exclude any tax-free CBP payroll deductions.
Since I do not pay Social Security taxes on the money put into these accounts, will my Social Security benefits be lower when I receive them?
If you contribute over a long period of time, your contributions to a CBP Account will reduce your Social Security benefit by a minimal amount. However, the tax savings with a CBP Account should more than offset the slight reduction in Social Security benefits in future years.
What happens if I close my account?
Once an account is closed, it can no longer be used. Details regarding any remaining funds are outlined in your Plan Specifications.
Can I stop contributing to a CBP Account?
You can elect to stop contributing to your CBP Account (that is, to make a $0 election). If you are still eligible to participate, your account balance will continue to be available for use until funds are exhausted or your account is closed.
Who is responsible for determining eligibility of expenses?
Eligibility of expenses is dictated by the IRS and those guidelines are used by Benefit Resource. The services of an attorney are utilized if an additional opinion is needed or research is required to clarify the eligibility of an expense.
What happens if I do not use all the money deposited into my CBP Account in a given plan month?
Excess balances at the end of a plan month will be carried over to the subsequent plan month as long as you continue to be eligible to participate. You may adjust your monthly plan election(s) to avoid having an excess balance in a CBP Account.
Can I use my CBP Account to pay for business or personal travel expenses?
No. Only qualified expenses for workplace mass transit and parking are eligible.
Are highway tolls, commuting mileage, taxicab fares and fuel eligible?
No. Only qualified workplace mass transit and parking expenses are eligible. Costs to maintain or use your personal vehicle are not included. In order to qualify as an eligible mass transit expense, a commuter highway vehicle must seat at least 6 adults and be primarily used for transporting employees between home and work. Vanpools are […]
Once an election is made, can I change it?
Certain situations can arise which allow you to change an election. These situations include: Change in residence or worksite Change in work schedule Change in monthly workplace commuting expenses
Can money in a Parking Account be used for mass transit expenses and vice versa?
No. Money directed to one type of account can be used only for expenses relating to that account. This is true even if all the money in one account is not used and the other account runs short.
What if I cannot use my Commuter Benefit Card to pay for my eligible Commuter Benefit Plan (CBP) expenses?
Effective January 1, 2016, eligible workplace mass transit expenses, other than those for van pooling, must be purchased with a Beniversal® Prepaid Mastercard® or eTRAC Prepaid Mastercard. If your card does not work for a particular expense, there is no loss of benefit as funds roll from one month to the next. For parking and […]
How does the Commuter Benefit Card work?
Transit and/or parking funds (e.g. from payroll deductions) are “stored” in the appropriate account on the card. The participant can then use the card to pay for an eligible service at an approved vendor. The funds for a purchase are deducted from the appropriate account, reducing the value stored on the card in that account. […]
What is a Commuter Benefit Card?
A Commuter Benefit Card is a prepaid card that is linked to a Commuter Benefit Plan (CBP). The card allows a participant to access plan funds at the point-of-sale to pay for eligible workplace mass transit and/or parking expenses. This card may be an eTRAC® Prepaid Mastercard® or a Beniversal® Prepaid Mastercard depending on what […]
